SULPHUR SPRINGS -- In a meeting which lasted nearly 3 hours, Mayor Greg Barber announced that "for the first time in a year" the city's bank statement reconciled.
He also said, with the help of the city clerk, Jamie Friend, and treasurer, Marcie Steele, the bills owed to the IRS and state revenue taxes are current. However, he cautioned, Sulphur's financial condition is still less than marginal at best.
After discussing and attempting to locate the true state of the city's finances, the council voted to table a resolution to accept the financial report as presented. They questioned items listed under miscellaneous expenses as to why the city's bookkeeping account should have a miscellaneous heading. Other financial concerns included discussion of outstanding bills, utilities, alarm systems and city pest control.
City attorney Bryan Vernetti provided an update on pending litigation his firm is about to file on the company that built the pillars that failed to hold up the sewer pipe crossing Butler Creek alongside East Patterson Street Bridge during the May 10, 2013, flood. That was when the sewer pipe broke and allowed raw sewage to leak into the creek. Thanks to the quick work of public works director Sherman Buckley and then-mayor Bobby Simon, the EPA did not fine the city for the incident.
Buckley and city officials expressed fears because a threat still exists that any 2014 flood could take out the same sewer section again.
Because low temperatures caused more water pipes to break this winter than usual, many homeowners were caught by surprise when their monthly water and sewer bills showed drastically increased usage, with some bills reaching more than $1,000 -- ten times the usual bill amount. The council discussed ways to be fair to homeowners as well as to the city, including payment extensions up to six months. In addition to that discussion, the need was discussed for a way to stop residents from skipping out on paying past-due amounts.
A resolution passed to allow the state highway department to assist the city in paving yet-to-be-determined streets.
Discussed was the mayor's limit in purchasing before having to obtain council approval. A possible change to city code on the matter will be presented by Mayor Barber at next month's meeting.
The council decided all meeting times and dates should be posted at the Cowboy Café, Steve's Place, Sulphur Springs Post Office, OK Flea Market and at Sulphur Springs City Hall.
Also discussed was the charge when a resident requests more than one trash receptacle. Currently, an additional trash receptacle increases a resident's monthly charge by $17.05.
It was announced the citywide yard sale, set for April 11 through 13, will not require a permit.
General News on 03/19/2014